Sycamore Maple
Acer pseudoplatanus
A large deciduous tree featuring broad, palmately lobed leaves with coarse serrations, typically showing five lobes and prominent venation.
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth.
- Water
- Requires moderate watering. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Mature trees have good drought tolerance, while young trees need regular moisture.
- Growth
- Deciduous perennial tree with an upright, rounded canopy, reaching mature heights of 20 to 35 meters with a fast growth rate when young.
Care instructions
Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-draining soil. Provide moderate watering during dry spells, especially when young. Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring to encourage healthy foliage development.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth.
Watering
Requires moderate watering. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Mature trees have good drought tolerance, while young trees need regular moisture.
Soil
Prefers rich, moist, well-draining soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH, though it adapts well to a variety of soil types.
Hardiness zone
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 7, displaying strong cold tolerance.
Growth habit
Deciduous perennial tree with an upright, rounded canopy, reaching mature heights of 20 to 35 meters with a fast growth rate when young.
Bloom season
Flowers in mid-spring, producing drooping clusters of small, greenish-yellow flowers.
Propagation
Propagated primarily through seeds sown in autumn or by softwood cuttings taken in early summer.
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to leaf spot, powdery mildew, and aphid infestations. Prevent by ensuring good air circulation and clearing away fallen debris.
Similar species
Norway Maple (Acer platanoides), which can be distinguished by its milky sap exuded from the leaf petioles when broken, unlike the sycamore maple.